Holiday Spirits
By LB Magazine Staff | December 10, 2010 12:40 PM
‘Tis the season for holiday mojitos at The Rooftop Lounge. | Photo by Phil Blair
By Sharael Kolberg
When it comes to the holidays, the local dining establishments know how to celebrate in style. They go all out, offering festive signature cocktails paired with merry atmospheres and special menus perfect for toasting the season. We’ve rounded up just a few of the places ideal for celebrating or relaxing—with a drink created just for the occasion.
Montage Laguna Beach
From winter libations to visits from Santa, Montage Laguna Beach provides the perfect ambiance to celebrate the holidays. Situated on the resort’s fourth floor, The Loft features stunning panoramic views of blue water and blue sky—the ideal backdrop for enjoying the holidays in true SoCal-style. For a sweet winter treat, try the Red Hot Santa, a decadent combination of vodka, chocolate liqueur and whipped cream. Or try other seasonal cocktails—the spicy Kentucky Mulled Cider made with whiskey, cinnamon and cloves, or the minty Peppermint Froth featuring peppermint schnapps and vodka.
Indoor and outdoor seating at the resort’s Lobby Lounge allows guests to relax and soak in the true California beach experience.
“With spectacular views, live music and friendly service, The Lobby Lounge is the perfect spot to reconnect with family and friends during the holidays,” says Julie McCue, Montage’s dining director.
Sip the seasonal Chocolate Candy Cane—which includes both chocolate liqueur and chocolate vodka—while listening to live entertainment by Steve Siu or David Allen Baker. Other delicious choices include the cranberry sangria made with pinot noir and Grand Marnier, and the Sugar and Spice cocktail that combines Stoli Vanil, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream and Frangelico. Live entertainment is offered nightly in the Lobby Lounge.
Festive drinks are not all that’s on the holiday menu at Montage. Indulge in a special Christmas dinner in the Grand Ballroom—complete with a 12-station buffet, live music and family photo. Ring in the New Year at Studio with a five-course meal and midnight Champagne toast. Children will love building a gingerbread house or decorating a stocking, while the adults delight in signature holiday cocktails available through early January.
Chocolate Candy Cane at The Lobby Lounge | Photo by Phil Blair
More info: 30801 S. Coast Hwy.; 949-715-6000; montagelagunabeach.com.
Lumberyard
At Lumberyard, bar chef Kristin Markley has whipped up some Pumpkin Buttered Rum that would make even the Grinch grin. This winter cocktail—which will be served through January—is as much a work of culinary art as it is an indulgent libation.
“I start by roasting pumpkins, then I make a pumpkin butter out of the roasted pumpkins,” Kirsten explains. “From there I make a paste using the pumpkin butter, brown sugar, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Then I mix the paste with hot water and 10-cane rum. I rim the glass with house made pumpkin seed brittle and top it with Chantilly cream.”
The result of this craftsmanship is “rich, decadent and delicious,” Kirsten says.
Linger over this drink in the contemporary rustic atmosphere inside this historic building with its beautiful wood décor and cozy leather booths. Grab a seat by the window or on the patio and look out on Forest Avenue, which will be decked out for the holidays. Be sure to arrive early on the city’s annual Hospitality Night. It’s the perfect spot to catch the a glimpse of Santa as he passes by on a fire engine or to watch the tree lighting ceremony that takes place in front of City Hall.
During the holidays, Lumberyard’s menu will feature steaks, seafood and rotisserie chicken along with American classics such as chicken potpie and meatloaf. Look out for lobster tails and king crab along with seasonal fresh fish on the specials menu, and don’t miss the year-round live music on Thursdays through Saturdays from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Pumpkin Buttered Rum at Lumberyard | Photo by Phil Blair
More info: 384 Forest Ave.; 949-715-3900; lblumberyard.com.
Tommy Bahama Laguna Beach Bar & Grill
The famous beaches and tides of Laguna Beach have been “invited inside” Tommy Bahama, the perfect oasis to savor a festive drink. Try the Frost Bite, a Lemon Drop that features Tommy Bahama White Sand Rum, triple sec and sour mix, with a splash of Chambord that sinks to the bottom creating a layer of red. Garnished with a lime, the red and green colors evoke Christmas.
“Using rum really helps you to warm up on the inside on a chilly December evening,” says Gretchen Connelie, Tommy Bahama’s marketing manager. “The citrus keeps it from being too heavy.”
The restaurant evokes a relaxed island feel through its bright, open environment complimented by a sandy-pebbled entry floor, natural wood shutters and warm-toned wood planks mimicking the boardwalk. It’s an inviting place to take a break from those holiday shopping lists and get a little Frost Bite, available throughout December. Care to try your own hand at mixing it? Here’s the recipe.
Frost Bite at Tommy Bahama Laguna Beach Bar & Grill | Photo courtesy of Tommy Bahama
More info: 400 S. Coast Hwy.; 949-376-6886; tommybahama.com.
Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort
Celebrate the season with the coastal-chic holiday setting at The Surf & Sand Resort, where executive pastry chef Ryan Velilla has concocted The White Elephant. Available through the New Year, this mix of rum, Amarula, Kahlúa, Crème de Cacao, allspice and tincture captures the taste of the holidays.
“This is the drink that reminds me of Christmas,” Ryan says. “Everything from the flavors to the scent of the spices—it’s perfect for winter time.”
Take in Splashes’ ocean view while enjoying a seasonal tasting menu to share with friends—or visit Aquaterra Spa and treat yourself to a peppermint mocha mani/pedi and cranberry skincare treatments. And feel free to talk about The White Elephant in the room.
White Elephant at Splashes | Photo by Phil Blair
More info: 1555 S. Coast Hwy.; 949-497-4477; surfandsandresort.com.
Hotel La Casa del Camino
From the lobby’s large glittering Christmas tree to the twinkling lights of The Rooftop Lounge and the decorated wine cellar at k’ya Bistro Bar, Hotel La Casa del Camino is bursting with holiday cheer.
“Enjoy one of our festive holiday drinks fireside in our lobby lounge … featuring live music all season long, or warm up with a blanket and a holiday mojito available at The Rooftop Lounge,” owner Christopher Keller says.
In addition to the year-round signature mojitos, The Rooftop Lounge will be serving red and green Holiday Mojitos—flavored with Amaretto and cinnamon or lime and mint—throughout the winter months. Also on the seasonal menu is the Rooftop Pie made with cider, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum and Tuaca. Garnished with a cinnamon stick, this cocktail is reminiscent of warm apple pie. Sipping this drink at The Rooftop Lounge is the consummate way to get a taste of the holidays while looking out over the Pacific.
At k’ya Bistro Bar, holiday drink specials include a Nog Martini concocted with eggnog, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum and nutmeg, and a Hot Bourbon Toddy with a mix of bourbon, honey, lemon and nutmeg. Whether hot or spicy, both cocktails are the perfect remedy for walking along the beach on a cool day.
Throughout the season, sink your teeth into k’ya’s delicious holiday specials from award-winning executive chef Craig Connole. Hotel and restaurant guests are invited to a New Year’s Eve party that takes place throughout the establishment. It is complete with live music, party favors, hats and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. The lobby will feature a large screen television on which guests can catch the action in New York’s Times Square.
Chocolate Martini, Hot Bourbon Toddy, Hot Mint Chocolate at Casa del Camino.| Photo by Phil Blair
More info: 1289 S. Coast Hwy.; 949-497-2446; casacamino.com.
Sorrento Grille
Swing by Sorrento Grille for a taste of the Gingersnap Cookie Martini, a sweet treat made with Ion Vodka, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, ginger and soda, and garnished with a crushed gingersnap cookie rim.
“This is reminiscent of your mom or grandma’s famous gingersnap cookies, but with an updated twist,” bartender John Doll says of the drink, which is available through December. “Slightly sweet and rich at the same time—it’s perfect as a cocktail or dessert.”
John says he chose to use Ion Vodka because it is infused with electrolytes that will help keep guests hydrated and refreshed during the chaos of the holiday season.
Beyond the vodka, the restaurant itself is a refreshing oasis. It echoes the seaside surroundings with floor-to-ceiling windows that produce a modern aquarium look and a private dining room with subtle aqua lighting that mimics the sea. Guests can mingle around the Tuscan-inspired fireplace or the curved concrete bar overlooking the exhibition kitchen.
Throughout the holidays, an a la carte menu reflecting seasonal and local ingredients will be available. The restaurant serves pre-fixe dinners on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve that include some of executive chef Ryan Adam’s favorite traditional holiday dishes.
Only one block away from Forest Avenue, the restaurant—which will be decked out for the holidays—is a great place to escape to after the holiday parade.
Gingersnap Cookie Martini at Sorrento Grille | Photo by Phil Blair
More info: 370 Glenneyre St.; 949-494-8686; sorrento-grille.com.
Mozambique
In the mood for an exotic twist on the holidays? Mozambique buzzes with a South African vibe just three blocks from the holiday hustle of downtown Laguna Beach.
Don’t be shy and try their seasonal signature cocktail Xai Xai (pronounced “shy shy”), which is offered throughout fall and winter. This singular drink is made with citrus rum, dark rum, fresh guava juice and passion fruit nectar.
With ocean views and an open patio, the restaurant will feature $10 steaks, fish and chicken entrees all winter long. Mozambique’s New Year’s Eve party is sure to be rockin’ with their state-of-the-art sound system and live music.
Xai Xai at Mozambique | Photo by Phil Blair
More info: 1740 S. Coast Hwy.; 949-715-7777; mozambiqueoc.com.
230 Forest Avenue & Watermarc
Exuding understated elegance, sister restaurants 230 Forest Avenue and Watermarc will glitter with silver and gold décor this year. Expect similar sophistication on the cocktail menu at Watermarc, which will feature some libations that are sure to get you in the spirit of the holidays.
The Sweet Love cocktail at Watermarc is a rich and creamy mixture of blueberries and blackberries, Baileys, Creme de Mure, and a splash of soda, topped off with a dollop of whipped cream. Another seasonal cocktail at Watermarc is the Desert Sands, which is zesty with sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters.
“We love to present beverage items to our guests that we think are unique, with a broad spectrum of tastes and textures,” says Mitchell Cohen, the restaurants’ director of operations.
Both locations are prime spots to take in the bustling city streets donned in twinkling lights.
“I live and work in Laguna Beach,” says Erik Holt, bartender at Watermarc. “The holidays are one of those rare moments when everyone in town comes together and enjoys what’s going on.”
Embrace 2011 by indulging in a memorable menu filled with seasonal specials and traditional dishes.
Winter drinks at Watermarc | Photo by Phil Blair
More info: 230 Forest Avenue, 230 Forest Ave.; 949-494-2545; 230forestavenue.com.;
Watermarc, 448 S. Coast Hwy; 949-376-6272; watermarcrestaurant.com.
Sapphire Laguna
This season, Sapphire Laguna invites you to get a little naughty with a holiday favorite.
“Everyone likes to warm up during the holiday season with a cup of hot chocolate,” says owner and chef Azmin Ghahreman. “But you can make your drink a little extra naughty with the ‘Naughty Santa.’ ”
Made with hot chocolate, peppermint schnapps, Crème de Cacao and marshmallow and garnished with a candy cane, this drink is sure to make you jolly. It’s available throughout the holidays, from mid-November until the New Year.
On Christmas Eve, join Santa Claus in his flight around the world by indulging in Sapphire’s internationally-inspired Christmas Eve dinner, which includes entrées such as traditional herb roasted Diestel hen turkey, coconut milk-braised short ribs with aromatic Thai spices and lamb sirloin “baklava style” with lemon-honey glaze.
Finish the night off with an unforgettable dessert: lemon meringue ice cream pie, gingerbread trifle with candied kumquats or chocolate-orange pots de crème.
More info: 1200 S. Coast Hwy.; 949-715-9888; sapphirelaguna.com
Sundried Tomato Café
With the help of a professional decorator, Sundried Tomato Café in Laguna Beach will imbue the look and feel of the holidays. Get in the spirit with a Karmel Apple Martini, which is available through the end of the year (and beyond, if you get the recipe). The tempting combination of caramel, chocolate and apple flavors is worthy of an indulgence.
Boasting an upper and lower patio, the Laguna Beach location is a local favorite for viewing the holiday liveliness that spills into the streets during the Hospitality Night. The restaurant will have both patios open and will pass out complimentary samples of their signature sundried tomato soup.
Karmel Apple Martini at Sundried Tomato Cafe | Photo by Phil Blair
More info: 361 Forest Ave.; 949-494-3312; sundriedtomatocafe.com.
